Calories: 3 Sneaky Ways They Cause Weight Gain

Posted: May 9, 2014

A calorie is a unit of energy that is burned to raise the temperature of water by one degree Celsius. Or in words we actually understand: A calorie is a way to measure the amount of energy you’ll receive in the food and drinks you consume. Calories are good for you–well most of them. They get you up in the morning; feed your brain during the day and help you feel comfort at night. However, too much or what type can be a bad thing. Here are just a few of the sneaky ways calories can turn from your energy friend to your weight-gain foe.

1. Too many calories, not enough exercise

Life fact: One pound of fat equals 3,500 calories. With a mix of “sit all day/long hour” jobs and the “I don’t have time–let’s do fast food” behavior, it’s not a surprise that this imbalance exists. However it’s not all gloomy. The first step is to be aware of the amount of calories you are consuming on a daily basis and which foods are leading to excess calorie intake.

Type of Food

Calories

Pizza Slice

350

Sandwich

500

Fried Chicken (per piece)

200-500

Medium Fries

400-600

Burger

600-1000

So how do you burn all those extra calories off and avoid the extra weight gain? Here’s a quick look at what it takes based on an hour of exercise and a 180 lb. person:

Type of Exercise

Calories/Hour

Walking 3mph

270

Leisure Cycling <10mph

327

Yoga/Stretching

327

Running 6mph

817

Swimming Breaststroke

817

The average meal at most restaurants is over 2000 calories!

2. Liquid Calories (no nutrition, just excess calories)

Life Fact: Consuming 100 extra calories a day above our metabolism – and not burning them off – could cause you to gain up to 1 lb. a month. Who doesn’t like a Frappuccino or a milk shake? I would be lying if I said they weren’t delicious. But they don’t really add anything to you body aside from a major sugar rush (Sorry, Steak & Shake). Even though it may just be 1 drink, you would be surprised how much it may be stealing from your allotted calories for the day. And don’t forget about alcohol. Those splurges on Friday nights can quickly become unwanted weight gain. Tip: Craving a milkshake? Opt in for the junior or kids size. You can save upwards of 200 to 600 calories, depending on the flavor. And remember, water is always an option. Not only is it good for your body in more ways than one, it’s free!

Type of Drink

Calories

Alcohol (Vodka) 1.5oz shot

94

Powerade 20oz

130

Juice from Concentrate 10oz

140

Soda 12oz

150

Alcohol (Rum & Coke) 14oz

268

Medium Flavored Latte

200-500

Medium Frappes \ Frappucinos

250-600

Ice Cream Shakes

800-1800

3. Late-Night Calories

With House of Cards, Orange is the New Black, and Scandal who could resist a binge fest? However, if you’re like most people, you pair up your couch marathon with a calorie-packed salty or sweet treat.

Popular Late Night Snack

Calories

Chips (15-17 crisps)

160

Cake (1 Slice)

230-300

Oreos (3 Cookies) & Milk (8oz)

263

Candy Bar

200-300

Ice Cream (1pt. of Ben & Jerry’s Chubby Hubby)

1360

It’s not realistic to completely cut out your snacks when lounging around; Everyone likes to treat themselves. However, the key is to choose snacks that are better for you (in terms of vitamins, protein, fiber, etc.) and will satisfy your hunger. This will help you avoid binge eating the snacks that aren’t so good for you and cause unwanted weight gain.

Healthy Late Night Snack

Calories

Frozen Blueberries & Light Whip Cream

100-125

Popcorn (1 Regular Bag)

150-200

Dark Chocolate (1oz)

155

Peanut Butter(2 tbsp.) & Celery

195

Low Fat Yogurt (1 cup)

100-120

As a final note–keep in mind to listen to your body as you intake calories. Learn your habits, find ways to navigate around them (like eating popcorn instead of cake) to achieve your personal-defined success and enjoying life in your body.